CONFESSION OF FAITH Heritage Bible Church Greer, SC

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1 CONFESSION OF FAITH Heritage Bible Church Greer, SC I. SCRIPTURE A. We believe the Holy Scriptures, both the Old and the New Testaments, to be the verbally inspired Word of God, sufficiently clear in the essentials of the Faith, and the final authority for faith and practice, inerrant and infallible 1 in the original writings (2 Tim 3:16-17; Isa 8:20; Ps 119:105). B. We believe that the Scriptures were completed under the Spirit s control in the first century. Because we believe the canon of Scripture is closed, we do not believe in any form of continuing special revelation (2 Pet 1:20; Heb 1:1-2). II. GOD A. We believe in one Triune God, characterized by holiness, life, limitlessness, purity, integrity, and love, eternally existing in three persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit co-equal in power and glory, who has revealed Himself in the works of creation, providence, miracles, and especially in the inspired Scriptures (Deut 6:4; 32:39; Isa 44:6; Isa 6:3; John 5:26; Jer 9:24; Num 23:19; 1 John 4:8, 16; Matt 28:19; Gen 1:1; Col 1:17; Exod 15:11; Heb 1:1-3). B. We believe that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in the beginning, by the word of His power, created from nothing the heavens and the earth and all things in them in six days and that all were very good (Gen 1; Exod 20:11; Jer 10:12). C. We believe that God has created personal beings called angels, who serve Him through worship, agency, and care for His people. Some angels rebelled against God under the leadership of Satan, one of their own. Satan is not God s equal but is His defeated enemy; his destiny, like 1 Wholly true and without error 1

2 that of all spiritual forces of evil, is eternal punishment in the lake of fire. His futile resistance to God occurs with God s permission, and while we are to be wary of him and resist him, we are not to fear him or be obsessed with him or his agents (Ps 148:2, 5; 103:20; Heb 1:14; 2 Pet 2:4; Eph 6:12; Rev 20:10; Job 1; Jas 4:7; 1 John 4:4). III. MAN A. We believe that mankind, both male and female, was created in the image of God, made both physical and spiritual, innocent and capable of obeying God s will. In Adam s deliberate violation of God s expressed will, mankind fell from his sinless, blessed state, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God (Gen 1:26-27; Rom 3:22-23; 5:12). B. We believe that mankind is thus predisposed to sin that is, to violate the expressed will of God in nature, thought, word, and action and is utterly unable to remedy his alienated condition (Eph 2:1-3). C. We believe that as image-bearers of God in the earth, men and women are created as spiritual equals yet are designed in complementary order to assume God-given roles in the home and the church (Gen 1:26-27; 2:18; Gal 3:28). D. We believe that God has designed the marriage relationship to portray the profound mystery of Christ and His Church (Eph 5:31-32), to produce godly offspring (Gen 1:28), to provide helpful companionship (Gen 2:18), and to promote sexual purity and fulfillment (1 Cor 7:2-5). We believe that marriage is designed by God to join one man and one woman in a lifetime covenant of joyful love (Gen 2:24; Prov 5:18; Matt 19:3-9; 1 Cor 7:10-11). E. We believe that God gives some individuals the gift of singleness in order that they may serve Him without the cares of a spouse or family (Matt 19:11-12; 1 Cor 7:8). 2

3 F. We believe that God forbids sexual activity outside of marriage. We believe that any form of adultery, fornication, incest, polygamy, homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, and pornography is a sinful perversion of God s gift of sex (Gen 2:24; 19:5, 13; 26:8-9; Lev 18:1-30; Rom 1: 26-29; 1 Cor 5:1; 6:9; Gal 5:19-21; 1 Thess 4:1-8; Heb 13:4). We believe that attempts to alter one s sex by surgery or appearance reflect a heart that does not submit to God s good and sovereign right to determine our sex and thus are disapproved of and forbidden by God (Gen 1:27; Jer 1:5; 1 Cor 6:9). IV. CHRIST A. Person 1. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became fully man without ceasing to be fully God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (John 1:1-2; 1:14; Luke 1:35). 2. We believe that Christ suffered all the weaknesses of man without sin (Heb 4:15; Rom 8:3). B. Work 1. We believe that by His incarnation Christ revealed God and redeemed sinful man (John 1:18; Gal 4:4-5). 2. We believe that Christ accomplished our redemption through His perfect obedience to the law of God and His death on the cross, shedding His blood and satisfying God s wrath as our representative, vicarious 2 sacrifice and that our salvation is made sure by His physical resurrection from the dead (2 Cor 5:21; Rom 3:24-25; 1 Pet 2:24; Eph 1:7; 1 Pet 1:3-5). 3. We believe that Christ ascended to heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where as our High Priest He acts as our Representative, 2 Substitutionary or in our place 3

4 Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9; Heb 9:24; Rom 8:34; 1 John 2:1-2). 4. We believe in the personal, glorious, and bodily return of Christ. At His coming Christ will conquer all enemies, create new heavens and a new earth, and reign forever (John 14:3; 1 Thess 4:13-18; Mark 13:32; Rev 19:11-16; Isa 65:17; 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1-5; 11:15). V. SALVATION A. We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by repentance from sin and by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His shed blood (Eph 2:8-9; Isa 55:6-7; Acts 26:20; John 1:12; 1 Pet 1:18-19; Heb 10:19; 12:24; 9:25-26; Rev 1:5). B. We believe that before salvation God chooses, calls, and draws individuals to Himself; that at the moment of conversion God justifies, forgives, regenerates, redeems, reconciles, adopts, sets apart, and baptizes the believer in the Holy Spirit; that throughout the believer s earthly life He progressively conforms him to the image of Christ; and that at the believer s resurrection He glorifies him, bringing him into perfect conformity to the image of Christ (Eph 1:3-14; Rom 5:1; 8:29-30; 1 Cor 12:13; 2 Cor 3:18). C. We believe that God imputed the sin and guilt of Adam to all his descendants, that at the cross He imputed our sin to Christ, and that at our salvation He imputes Christ s perfect righteousness to us (Rom 5:12; 2 Cor 5:21). D. We believe that those who are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ and thus persevere in faith and obedience (Rom 13:13-14; Gal 5:13; Titus 2:11-15; Heb 3:12-13; 6:9; John 6:35-40; 10:27-29). VI. THE HOLY SPIRIT A. We believe that the Holy Spirit is sovereign in all of His activity and is able to do all His holy will (1 Cor 12:11). 4

5 B. We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment and that He regenerates, indwells, and seals all believers for the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; 2 Cor 3:6; 1 Cor 12:12-13; Rom 8:9; Eph 1:13-14). C. We believe that He is the divine Teacher, speaking in the Scriptures and guiding the believer to understand them, and that it is the privilege as well as the duty of all the saved to be filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:10-13; Eph 5:18). D. We believe sanctification in the Holy Spirit to be the work of God s free grace, by which we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God and are enabled step by step to live unto righteousness and true holiness (Eph 4:23-24; 2 Cor 3:18; Rom 6:6, 14; 8:4; 2 Cor 7:1; Heb 12:14). E. We believe the Holy Spirit gives to believers a diversity of gifts for the common good of the church (1 Cor 12:4-7). VII. THE CHURCH A. We believe that the Church, which is the body of Christ, is made up of all believers, who are characterized by love for God and love for others and are committed to Christ s mission of making disciples (Eph 1:22-23; 5:25-27; 1 Cor 12:12-24; Matt 28:19-20). B. We believe the New Testament demonstrates the establishment of local churches, properly led, as the context for the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28; 1 Tim 3:1-13). C. We believe that identification with a local church through membership reflects the loving relationships within the Holy Trinity and is identification with Christ Himself (John 17:21; 1 Cor. 5:3-5). 5

6 D. We believe baptized believers should join a local assembly for the purpose of worship, discipleship, edification, mutual care, service, giving, exercise of spiritual gifts, and the celebration of baptism and the Lord s Supper (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 12:7; 12:21-25; Heb 3:13; 10:24-25; Matt 28:19; 1 Cor 11:23-26). VIII. THE FUTURE A. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all people, the saved unto eternal life and the unsaved to judgment and eternal punishment (Matt 25:46; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Rev 20:5-6, 12-13). B. We believe that the spirits of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the resurrection (Luke 23:43; Rev 20:4-6; 2 Cor 5:6-9; Phil 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thess 4:16-17). C. We believe that the spirits of the unregenerate remain, after death, in conscious misery until the resurrection, when they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer eternal conscious punishment (Luke 16:19-26; Matt 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Thess 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev 20:11-15). D. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ shall return to the earth and that because the time of His coming is hidden, believers should live in confident expectation and constant readiness (Titus 2:13; John 14:3; Rev 19:11-16; 20:1-6; 1 Thess 4:13-18). 3 3 Although Heritage Bible Church has historically favored a pretribulational and premillennial interpretation of eschatology, we are not willing to make this a basis of fellowship and membership. The nature of predictive prophecy is intended to be obscure until the time of fulfillment. Heritage, therefore, reflects diversity on a number of relatively minor points of eschatological interpretation as we worship, serve, and grow together as a body united in Christ. 6

7 CONSTITUTION Heritage Bible Church Greer, SC ARTICLE I: NAME This congregation of believers shall be known as Heritage Bible Church. It is incorporated as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the state of South Carolina. ARTICLE II: PURPOSE This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law) for such purposes including, but not limited to, the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; the establishing and maintaining of religious worship; the teaching of believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture; and the maintaining of missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country. ARTICLE III: GOVERNMENT The government of this church shall be of the congregational type, with authority vested in its Members, whose vote shall be final in all matters submitted to them. Christ gives leaders (Elders) to His people and calls His people to submit to these men as they submit to Christ (Heb 13:17). Therefore, Elders, who are recognized by the Members, shall oversee, lead, and shepherd this church as under-shepherds of Jesus Christ, who is the Church s only head. ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP A. Qualifications for Membership Membership in this church shall be composed of those who profess faith in Jesus Christ, who evidence regeneration, who have been baptized in obedience to 7

8 Christ following conversion, who wholeheartedly believe in the Christian faith as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, who affirm this church s Confession of Faith, who are willing to submit to the Elders of the congregation, and who agree to live by the commitments expressed in the Membership Covenant. Because of our nondenominational position, we will receive into membership those who have been baptized as believers regardless of the mode of their baptism. However, this church shall baptize believers by immersion, except in cases where the candidate s medical condition makes immersion impossible. Any such exceptions must be approved by the Elders. B. Responsibilities and Privileges of Membership 1. Members are expected to gather regularly with this local church and contribute to the church s life with their God-granted, Spirit-led abilities, time, and material resources. 2. Members will receive the care and oversight of the Elders. 3. Members are expected to attend Members Meetings. They have the privilege and responsibility of voting on the election of Elders and Deacons and on other matters that are submitted to the Members. 4. Only Members at least 16 years of age are eligible to vote in Members Meetings. C. Process for Membership 1. An applicant for membership shall participate in orientation, read the governing documents of the church, and submit a membership application to the Elders. 2. Upon receiving the application, the Elders will give notice in at least one corporate worship service that a candidate is to be considered for membership. A 8

9 Member who has a concern or objection should voice it privately to an Elder. 3. The Elders shall coordinate a team of approved Members to interview the candidate. Upon their report and after agreement by the Elders, the candidate shall be received into membership by a majority vote of the Elders. 4. Applicants shall be welcomed into membership by the current Members. 5. Applicants who are temporary residents of the area and who wish to join this local church while retaining full membership in their home church may be received as dual Members. Dual Members shall have all the rights and privileges of membership. If dual Members become permanent residents of this area and wish to remain Members of this body, they shall terminate their membership at any other church. D. Termination of Membership 1. Termination of membership shall be recognized by the Elders following death, voluntary resignation through a written notice to the Elders, or dismissal by church discipline. Membership may be terminated as an act of church discipline according to Article V. 2. If a Member dies or submits a written notice of resignation, the Elders shall notify the Members. 3. If a Member is absent from worship and church life for six months and fails to respond to the Elders repeated efforts of communication or refuses to provide a written notice of resignation, the Elders shall terminate the absentee s membership by a majority vote of the Elders. 4. The Members shall be informed of the termination. 9

10 ARTICLE V: CHURCH DISCIPLINE A. Purpose of Church Discipline: Because we desire to glorify God by maintaining the unity and purity of the local body, we seek to build up believers by deterring sin and to restore offending believers by calling them to repentance (1 Cor 5:6-13; Matt 18:17; 1 Tim 5:20; Gal 6:1). B. Process of Church Discipline 1. It is the responsibility of the erring Member to confess his or her sin to the one(s) sinned against and be reconciled to the offended person(s) (Matt 5:24). 2. It is the responsibility of any Member of this church having knowledge of an erring Member s sin to warn and correct him or her in private, seeking repentance and restoration (Matt 18:15; Gal 6:1). 3. If the erring Member does not heed these warnings, then the warning Member shall request the presence of one or two others and go again to the erring Member, repeatedly if necessary, seeking repentance and restoration (Matt 18:16). 4. If the erring Member does not heed these warnings, then the matter shall be brought to the attention of the Elders. The Elders shall take the case into prayerful consideration and bring the matter before the church so that the body may publicly and corporately call the erring Member to repentance. No action calling for dismissal shall be taken against any Member until the church has first attempted to communicate with him or her in writing, citing the offense and providing an opportunity for the Member to meet with the Elders (Matt 18:17). 5. If the erring Member does not repent in response to the church, then he or she shall be publicly dismissed from the membership and fellowship of the church (Matt 18:17). 6. If after dismissal the erring party heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and personally asks the Elders to be reinstated by the church, then he or she 10

11 shall be publicly restored to all the rights, duties, privileges, and responsibilities of membership (2 Cor 2:6-8). ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS A. Corporate Worship 1. The body will regularly meet for corporate worship on the Lord s Day and for other gatherings for worship, prayer, and fellowship throughout the week as the Elders determine. 2. Baptisms may take place during the corporate worship on the Lord s Day or at other times at the discretion of the Elders. 3. The Lord s Supper shall be observed regularly during corporate worship to remember the Lord s death till He comes and to celebrate the blessings of the New Covenant in His blood. This body welcomes all who follow Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord and who are walking in fellowship with Him and His people to join in this remembrance. B. Members Meetings 1. Members Meetings shall be held as the Elders determine. 2. A Staff Elder will be moderator unless an alternate is chosen by the Elders. 3. In all voting matters, twenty-five percent of eligible voting Members shall be considered a minimum for voting. a. If a Member cannot attend a meeting in which a vote is taken, the Member may vote absentee by casting one vote. b. When fifty percent or more of eligible voting Members cast their votes, a simple majority shall be required to pass any measure, except when otherwise stated in this document. c. When fewer than fifty percent of eligible voting Members cast their votes, a two-thirds vote shall be required to pass any measure, 11

12 except when otherwise stated in this document. 4. Any proposition to be voted upon by the Members shall be posted in writing and announced orally for two services prior to the vote. 5. The moderator shall conduct meetings in accordance with the procedures outlined by the Elders, but shall have freedom to modify the procedures at his discretion based upon his own sense of fairness and what he deems to be in the best interests of the church. The moderator shall give all Members a reasonable opportunity to be heard on a matter. ARTICLE VII: FINANCES A. The church is supported by voluntary contributions from its Members who shall give according to their abilities and according to the dictates of their own consciences. 4 B. Other than tithes and offerings, any activity that could produce additional funds for the ministry must be approved by both Elders and Deacons. C. All contributions, tithes, and offerings will be disbursed on the following basis. 1. Specific recommendations will be formed according to the ministry priorities set by the Elders, with consideration to the spiritual and material needs of the body, the community, and the world. 2. These recommendations will be approved by the Elders, Deacons, and Members through the annual budget process. D. Records of all financial transactions shall be maintained and kept by an appointed designee, who shall submit a monthly financial report to the Deacons and to the Finance 4 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 reveals the heart attitude of joy and generosity that guides a believer s giving. 12

13 Committee. The report will also be made available to the Members upon request. E. An annual budget shall be prepared and presented by the Elders and Deacons, and shall be voted on by the Members. The proposed budget shall be available two weeks prior to the vote. F. The annual budget for the new year shall not exceed the previous year s unrestricted tithes and offerings. G. With the exception of benevolence disbursements, each month the Deacons may not disburse more than two percent of the monthly budget 5 for a single non-budgeted item, and each month the Deacons may not disburse more than four percent of the monthly budget for all nonbudgeted items. Any amounts in excess of these percentages must be presented to the Members for approval. H. The Deacons shall authorize a Benevolence Committee to evaluate benevolence circumstances and administer funds on an as-needed basis. The Benevolence Committee shall report to the Board all amounts of funds disbursed. If the Benevolence Committee recommends funds in excess or outside of established spending guidelines, the Benevolence Committee shall obtain approval from the Deacons prior to allocating such funds. I. The Elders shall authorize a committee to review and administer the missions allocation of the budget. J. No Staff Elder may expend more than $500 per month on non-budgeted items. K. Total actual expenditures must never exceed total budgeted expenditures unless authorized by the Deacons 5 For this calculation use 1/12 of the annual budget. 13

14 and approved by the Members. If there is an overage in a line item, the overage must be offset by a corresponding decrease in other line items of the budget or through funds exceeding budgeted giving. L. Outstanding indebtedness shall not exceed two and onehalf times the previous fiscal year s unrestricted tithes and offerings. The church shall have no unsecured debt or revolving line of credit but shall be permitted to utilize a credit card and to engage in normal business activities, provided that no unsecured interest expense is incurred. ARTICLE VIII: OFFICERS A. Elders 1. Definition: Elders are men above reproach who shepherd the flock of God as Christ shepherds His people. They hold firm to God s Word, exercise oversight, and exemplify godliness (Acts 6:2-4; 14:23; 15:2, 22; 20:17-35; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:1-7; 4:14; 5:17, 19; Jas 5:14; 1 Pet 5:1-5). 2. Qualifications: The Elders shall be male, meeting the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1: Duties: The God-given responsibility of the Elders is to bring the Word of God to bear on the life of the congregation, and to that end, they are entrusted with interpreting and applying the Word in submission to the Holy Spirit for the good of the body (Titus 1:9; 1 Pet 5:1-11; Acts 15:2; 20:17-35; 1 Tim 4:14). 6 6 The HBC Confession of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, the Elders of this church shall be the church s final interpretive authority on the Bible s meaning and application. 14

15 a. Oversee: Elders create ministry vision, set ministry philosophy, and manage the flock. Managing the flock includes encouraging Members to exercise their gifts and guarding Members from false doctrine, within and without the church (1 Cor 12:4-6; Acts 20:27-31). b. Care: Elders are to care for the flock (Acts 14:23; Jas 5:14). c. Feed and shepherd: Elders are to shepherd or disciple the flock, since the Chief Shepherd has entrusted Elders with His flock (1 Pet 5:2-4). d. Reconcile: Elders shall be responsible for pursuing Member reconciliation (Matt 18:15-17; Eph 4:1-3, 32; 1 Cor 6:1-11). e. Discipline: Elders shall be responsible for carrying out discipline in accordance with Matthew 18:15-20 (see also 1 Cor 5:1-7). f. Recognize and ordain: Elders shall be responsible for the examination and ordination of men for pastoral ministry. They shall also be responsible for the licensure of men who are not yet ordained. 4. Roles a. Staff and Lay Elders: The church may employ an Elder to serve in a full- or part-time pastoral capacity (Staff Elder). Or, an Elder may have other employment yet volunteer time to oversee and care for the congregation (Lay Elder). b. Teaching and Ruling Elders: Per the qualifications and duties listed above, all Elders must be able to give instruction from God s Word and care for souls. However, according to 1 Timothy 5:17, some may have a more public ministry of preaching and teaching. c. Each Elder shall have one vote when motions are made in Elders meetings. 15

16 B. Deacons 1. Definition: Deacons are men free from habitual sinful conduct and character flaws causing repeated offenses. They lovingly serve the congregation, as Christ became a servant even to the point of death on a cross (Phil 2:6-8; John 13:12-16; Acts 6:1-6; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8, 10, 12-13). 2. Qualifications: The Deacons shall be male, meeting the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3: Duties: The God-given responsibility of the Deacons is to serve the congregation, so as to allow the Elders freedom to keep ministry of the Word and prayer a priority (Acts 6:1; John 13:12-16; Gal 2:10; 6:1-2; Jas 1:27; Matt 25:31-46). a. The Deacons shall model and encourage wise stewardship. b. The Deacons shall generously minister to the needy and supervise the benevolence funds of the church, aided by the Elders as necessary. c. The Deacons shall be responsible for the preparation of baptisms and the Lord s Supper. d. The Deacons shall be responsible for the maintenance of all church property. e. The Deacons shall be responsible for the orderly collection and proper disbursement of funds. C. Shared Duties of Elders and Deacons 7 1. Elders and Deacons shall be responsible for serving the Lord s Supper. 2. In accordance with 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, Elders and Deacons shall be responsible to help in resolving disputes among Members. 7 For legal purposes the currently-elected Elders and Deacons shall be this church s Board. 16

17 3. Elders and Deacons shall be responsible for preparation of the annual budget. 4. Elders and Deacons shall be responsible for the dissolution of the corporation, should the occasion arise, as required under Article IX. D. Nomination, Election, and Dismissal of Elders and Deacons 1. Lay Elders and Deacons a. Any Member may recommend men to be considered. b. Elders and Deacons shall prayerfully develop a ballot of nominees. i. Elders shall prayerfully develop a ballot of Elder nominees (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 2 Tim 2:2). ii. Elders and Deacons shall prayerfully develop a ballot of Deacon nominees. c. Election: Candidates nominated for Elder and Deacon shall be elected for the respective positions by votes cast by eligible Members. Positions shall be filled by candidates receiving the largest number of votes in descending order until all positions are filled. d. Term: The term for Elders and Deacons shall be two years, with the option of being reelected to additional two-year terms. e. Resignation: An Elder or Deacon who resigns voluntarily may be replaced using the normal process for electing an Elder or Deacon in this section. A replacement candidate may be elected by special election as approved by a vote of eligible Members. If an Elder or Deacon is elected by special election and serves a partial term, then that Elder or Deacon is eligible to serve for additional two-year terms. f. Dismissal: Any accusation against an Elder or Deacon shall be established before the Elders by at least two witnesses. Upon investigation of the charge, the Elders shall determine an 17

18 appropriate course of action. If the Elders believe dismissal is necessary, they shall call a Members Meeting. The Elder or Deacon shall be dismissed from all responsibilities according to the voting procedure listed in VI. B Staff Elder 8 a. Nomination: The Elders shall prayerfully nominate a candidate for Staff Elder. b. Candidating: The candidate for Staff Elder shall meet with the Elders and Deacons and shall be heard at a minimum of three congregational gatherings. c. Election: The candidate for Staff Elder shall be accepted by at least eighty percent of the votes cast by eligible Members. d. Resignation: A Staff Elder who resigns may be replaced using the normal process for electing a Staff Elder as outlined in this section. e. Dismissal: Any accusation against a Staff Elder shall be established before the Elders by at least two witnesses. Upon investigation of the charge, the Elders shall determine an appropriate course of action. If the Elders believe dismissal is necessary, they shall call a Members Meeting. The Staff Elder shall be dismissed from all responsibilities according to the voting procedure listed in VI. B. 3. E. Indemnification of Employees, Officers, and Agents The church may indemnify any person who was or is a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding to the full extent allowed under South Carolina state law. This indemnification whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, including all appeals (other than an action by or in the right of the church) applies if three conditions are met: 1. The action is by reason of the fact that the person is 8 We commonly refer to Staff Elders as Pastors. 18

19 or was an Elder (Staff or Lay), Deacon, officer, employee, or agent of the church; 2. The person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the church and, with respect to any criminal matters, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; and 3. The lead Staff Elder recommends indemnification and the Elders vote to provide it on behalf of any person. Any determination of good-faith intent shall occur by a majority vote of the Elders and Deacons of the church. F. Submission to Arbitration Members of this church agree to submit to binding arbitration any matters within the church that cannot otherwise be resolved and expressly waive any and all rights in law and equity to bring any civil disagreement before a court of law, except that judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof (1 Cor 6:1-8). ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION OF THE CORPORATION In the event of the dissolution of Heritage Bible Church as a non-profit corporation, the assets of the corporation shall be given and paid over to a non-profit corporation of like faith and practice. Said corporations shall be determined according to the voting procedure listed in VI. B. 3. A. Notice of dissolution shall be sent in writing to each Member at least fifteen days prior to the scheduled meeting and public notice shall be given at least forty-five days prior to the meeting. B. All recommendations for recipients of the corporation assets shall be made in writing by a Member of the corporation to the Elders and Deacons no less than thirty 19

20 days prior to the dissolution meeting. No other recommendations shall be considered. C. It shall be the duty of the Elders and Deacons to examine all recommendations submitted to them and make their own recommendations to the Members concerning the distribution of the church assets. D. Said recommendation from the Elders and Deacons shall be made available in writing to the Members fifteen days prior to the dissolution meeting. E. The decision as to the recipients of the assets of the corporation shall be the mutual consent by secret ballot of the majority of the Members present at the dissolution meeting. F. The Elders and Deacons, in the stead of the Members of the corporation, shall assume the responsibility of all dissolution proceedings, and shall seek and obtain legal assistance to complete said proceedings. ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS A. As a working, flexible document, this constitution may be amended, altered, or revised by a two-thirds vote of the eligible Members voting. B. Amendments to the constitution shall be presented in writing to the Elders and Deacons and, if accepted, shall be presented to the Members for a vote. 20

21 MEMBERSHIP COVENANT Having followed the Lord s leading to join together as this local church on the basis of our shared relationship with Jesus Christ through repentance and faith, as demonstrated publicly through our baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we joyfully affirm this covenant with one another and with God, in dependence on His gracious help. We commit to pursue the stated mission of this church, which is to make passionate followers of Jesus Christ for the glory of God. We will work to make followers who will love God with all their hearts and who will love their neighbors as themselves. We will work and pray to guard the Spirit-given unity in the bond of peace. We will endeavor to watch over one another in brotherly love; to humbly give and receive correction; and to encourage one another to love and good works. We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor neglect to pray for one another. We will rejoice at one another s happiness and bear each other s burdens and sorrows. We will be slow to take offense and always ready for reconciliation. We will endeavor to seek the salvation of our family and friends by righteous living and loving proclamation of the Gospel. We will pursue self-controlled and righteous living in this world, denying ungodliness and worldly passions, for we have been raised to walk in newness of life. We will work together for the advancement of this gospel church as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the expenses of the church, the care of those in need, and the spread of the gospel. 21

22 Elders: We commit to lovingly care for all the members of this church, seeking their good and providing spiritual oversight according to the humble example of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will faithfully teach God s Word publicly and privately, both in word and in conduct, and we will devote ourselves to prayer for the members of this church. Deacons: We commit to lovingly serve all the members of this church, seeking to care for their needs according to the humble example of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will work to allow the Elders freedom to keep ministry of the Word and prayer a priority, and we will devote ourselves to prayer for the members of this church. All Members: We will support the Elders and Deacons of this church, praying for them and serving alongside them. We accept and submit to the Elders spiritual oversight as they hold us accountable to our commitment to Jesus Christ. We will hold the Elders and Deacons accountable to the Scriptures and to the duties and qualifications of their call. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 22

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